Microsoft Is Adding a Dark Theme to File Explorer

There is some good news for all those who love dark themes! Apparently, Microsoft is working on bringing a dark theme to the full-fledged File Explorer in Windows 10. Windows 10's dark mode is an awesome feature that allows you to switch most apps and system elements into a darker theme, which is easier on the eyes, and, depending on your preference, looks awesome. Unfortunately, the dark mode in Windows 10 has been rather inconsistent in where it is applied; when dark mode is enabled you can find it in most system apps, a few third party apps, and a few system elements. It was always missing from the File Explorer, however.

Since, the dark theme for the File Explorer is in its very early stages, there is no clarity if the dark mode would ship in File Explorer with Redstone 5, or would it postponed to a later update.This feature is hidden in Windows 10 build 17650 - which is only available to Insiders on the Skip Ahead option of the Fast ring - and as you can see from the image above, it seems to be early on in development. Once it's available to everyone, it can be toggled on and off using the system-wide theme setting.

It appears that won't be the case for much longer, as Microsoft is finally working on bringing support for dark mode to the File Explorer on Windows 10. Once ready, enabling dark mode in File Explorer is done with the system-wide toggle found in the Windows Settings app, which makes all your other apps dark too. The screenshot above is of an early version of dark mode in File Explorer, which means it'll likely change before it's finalized. Still, this early look is promising for dark mode advocates like myself. File Explorer has needed a dark mode for years, and it's finally getting one. We're unsure if Microsoft is planning to ship dark mode in File Explorer with Redstone 5, or if it'll wait for 19H1 early next year. Regardless, we know it's coming, and that's super exciting.